LIV Golf star who ignored Rory McIlroy wins almost £100K as Bryson DeChambeau banks £3m

Golf prospect Tom McKibbin made a bold move by shunning 's advice against joining . But it seems to be paying off after he pocketed another significant sum despite a modest 47th-place finish in South Korea.

Starting his weekend in Incheon with two consecutive two-over-par rounds, the 22-year-old talent rounded off Sunday at four over, far behind of 19 under - banking the US Open champ the top £3million prize. Out of 54 players, only seven scored lower than McKibbin, yet he walked away from the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club £92,250 richer. McKibbin's lucrative choice showcases the financial lure of LIV and underpins precisely why others may also opt to ditch McIlroy's recommendation of legacy over riches.

"If I were in his position, I wouldn't make that decision," said winner McIlroy in January after learning of McKibbin's switch. The move saw the prodigy reject his chance at a debut in favour of a reported £4m offer from LIV.

Meanwhile, McIlroy forewent a potential seven-figure payday at the Byron Nelson this past weekend. He instead opted to sit out while Scottie Scheffler clinched a £1.3m top prize in a competition close to his heart.

The world's top-ranked golfer finished 31-under across four rounds - eight ahead of runner-up Erik van Rooyen - to secure his first PGA Tour win of 2025. In doing so, he matched the Tour's 72-hole scoring record, which he now shares with Justin Thomas and Ludvig Aberg.

In contrast, Rasmus Hojgaard pocketed just £20,800 for finishing 48th at the Byron Nelson. That's despite the fact he played 72 holes compared to McKibbin's 54.

Despite this, the LIV rebel still earned over four times as much for his efforts. While many may question the decision to represent the Saudi-funded series over golf's established Tours, the pay disparity clearly illustrates what is driving those who have defected.

McKibbin also recently netted £565,000 after his Legion XIII outfit triumphed in the team event at LIV Golf Mexico City in April. This meant he shared a £2.6m prize pot with team-mates Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Caleb Surratt for their collective performance.

This marks the second time this season that the former Belfast Royal Academy student has managed to secure a share of team triumph. Legion XIII kicked off the 2025 campaign in style by also winning the team event at the season-opening LIV Golf Riyadh in February.

To put these figures into perspective, McKibbin has now won approximately £3.3m from just seven tournaments playing for LIV. That's compared to the £2.5m total he took home from 72 competitions playing on the DP World Tour.

McIlroy, 35, is next set to compete at the Truist Championship, kicking off at the Philadelphia Cricket Club on Thursday. The Grand Slam champion will be eyeing his slice of the £15m prize fund, with a whopping £2.7m earmarked for the winner.